The Dagger: College Basketball Blog

Indiana State developing a solid résumé after winning at Wichita State

When Indiana State beat Ole Miss and Miami earlier this season, it didn't attract much attention because those two opponents weren't viewed with the respect they have now.

Indiana State would probably still be viewed as a bubble team if the NCAA tournament selection committee met today, but the Sycamores look like a much better fit the tournament after going on the road to upset No. 15 Wichita State 68-55 on Tuesday.

The Sycamores can now boast wins over three teams currently ranked in the top-25 and they have played seven games against ranked opponents. Three of the four teams they lost to remain ranked this week, though those teams occupy spots lower in the Associated Press poll than the three teams they defeated.

Assuming Indiana State finishes the regular season strong and at least gets to the semifinals of the Missouri Valley tournament, it could have a résumé worthy of its second trip to March Madness in three seasons. The Sycamores will get at least one more chance to beat both Wichita State and No. 21 Creighton and both games are at home. They are only one game out of first place in the conference standings (14-7, 7-3) and could easily reach the top spot if February goes well.

At the beginning of the season, it would have been suspect at least that Indiana State could go to Wichita State and earn a win without getting a big game from guard Jake Odum. But that's what happened Tuesday. Odum finished with just 10 points and four assists. Gonzaga transfer Manny Arop scored 17 points with six rebounds and has become a nice complement to Odum, making the Sycamores more versatile.